Francis a



(ANO Model.)

F. A. PEEBLES.

GRUTGH. No. 818,818. i Patented M81. 1o, 1888.

NITED STATES FRANCIS A. PEEBLES, OF HINCKLEY, OHIO, ASSIGNOR OF ONE-HALF TO ALFRED BOULDEN, OF SAME PLACE. Y

CRUTCH.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 313,518, dated March 10, 1885. Application filed August 11,1884. (No model.)

T0 all whom it may concern.:

Be it known that I, FRANCIS A. PEEBLEs, Of Hinckley, in the county of Medina and State of Ohio, have invented a certain Improved Adjustable Crutch, and I do hereby aver that the following specilication is a full and coinplete description thereof, reference being had to the annexed drawings, making part of the same.

The nature of said invention consists in constructing the crutch in two principal sections, which are so arranged in relation to each other that the crutch may be shortened or lengthened, as the nature of the case may require, and by a suitable device the crutch, when adjusted to the person, may be securely held in the required length.

It is well known to those having experience in the manufacture and practical use of this class of supports that various lengths are required for various persons of different heights and physical affections. The said improved crutch may be readily adjusted for various persons in hospitals, whereby the cost of the number of crutches may be avoided, as is now ordinarilyrequired. It can be adapted to the growth of children and youth requiring such aids, and so adjusted as to take the place of a cane or walking-stick for support.

That the invention may be more fully seen and understood, reference will be had to the following description and accompanying draw'- ings, in which Figure l is a front view, Fig. 2 a side view, and Fig. 3 a detached section.

Like letters denote like parts in the drawings.

In the drawings, A represents the shoulderrest, to which are secured the side braces, B B, the lower ends of which are secured to a ring or ferrule clip, O, inclosing the lower terminal ends of the braces B B. The central part of this clip forms an annular opening to receive the staff D, in which it slides in extending and contracting the length of the crutch. The clip also forms a connecting-bracelet for combining the side braces with the staff. The upper end of the staff is attached to the socket E and secured by any suitable means. From each side of the socket extends an arm, F, which terminates in wrists G G, Figs. l and 2, which are formed with a gain or groove, H,

Fig. 3, so as to receive the braces B B therein and lap over on the side thereof, as seen at G, Fig. 2,whereby the hand-piece is held in proper relation with the braces.

To the wrists G G is connected the handpiece I, Figs. l and 3, in any suitable manner.

The parts E, F, G, H, and I are susceptible of various modifications in the construction and arrangement without departing from the essential features herein set forth, and may be made up in parts of wood and metal, or otherwise.

Instead of the staff being connected with the handpiece I in the manner shown, it may be directly attached thereto without the intermediate parts shown. In the staff are a series of holes, K, Fig. l, in which is inserted the pin L, connected to the crutch for the purpose of securing the staff in position when adj usted for use. The pin L passes through the clip and staff, as seen in Fig. 2.

Other equivalent means may be employed for the purpose of holding the staff in position to give the required length to the crutch.

As a rule, the length of the human arms is in proportion to the height ofthe body; hence the extension and contraction of the crutch, as before described, for persons of various heights. rlhe hand-piece I will be in the right position for the hands, and the arm-joints will admit of adjustment of any ordinary variations of anatomical proportions.

It will be noted that by means of the clip C and the wrists G G lapping or extending over the braces, as seen in Figs. l and 2, there can be no slipping or displacement of thesections of the crutch when adjusted and secured by the fastenings, as hereinbefore described.

VVhatI claim as my improvement, and de- J sire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

In a crutch, the combination of the side braces, B B, the arm-rest A, clip C, the staff D, passing through said clip and secured in the same at various heights by the pin L, and the hand-piece I, sliding upon said braces,

constructed and arranged substantially as and lforthe purpose set forth.

,In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

' FRANCIS A. PEEBLES. Witnesses:

GEO. HAYDEN, Gno. A. RIcHARDs. 

